Welcome back to the Webdelics podcast! In this fascinating episode, host Scott Mason sits down with Ben Rein, neuroscientist, Stanford researcher, and Webdelics Board of Advisors member, to dig into the science and societal impact of MDMA. Together, they explore MDMA’s journey from a pharmaceutical shelf to a powerful empathogen making waves in clinical trials—especially for PTSD treatment. Ben unpacks the neuroscience behind MDMA’s effects, revealing how it uniquely boosts empathy in the brain and may help reshape traumatic memories during therapy. The conversation goes beyond the lab, touching on ethical dilemmas, potential future applications, and the delicate “Goldilocks zone” of empathy that shapes human connection. Whether you’re brand new to psychedelics or a seasoned explorer, this episode offers clarity, scientific rigor, and a look at what MDMA could mean for healing, connection, and the future of mental health. Stay tuned for Ben’s insights, the cultural discussion around empathy, and a sneak peek at his upcoming book, “Why Brains Need Friends.” 00:00 Introducction 03:07 MDMA: From Lab to Therapy 08:02 MDMA-Assisted Trauma Therapy Explained 11:21 MDMA's Impact on Empathy Explained 15:34 MDMA's Effects and Potential Uses 18:41 Ethics of Medicating Neurodivergence 24:50 Empathy's Evolutionary Role Explained 27:22 Empathy's Goldilocks Zone Debate 29:40 MDMA: Medicine or Overreach? 34:25 Psychedelic Drug Approval Dilemma 38:15 MDMA Shows Promise for PTSD 39:53 Future of MDMA Therapy 45:45 PTSD, Empathy, and Healing 49:38 The Neuroscience of Connection 51:37 Scientist Educator and Advocate 53:47 Conclusion ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🤓 See What We’re Working On Get the Newsletter https://theguide-newsletter-webdelics.beehiiv.com/subscribe ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download our free beginner’s guide to psilocybin: https://info.webdelics.com/guide-to-psilocybin Order Dr Ben's book now: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761227/why-brains-need-friends-by-ben-rein-phd/ 📧GET IN TOUCH Send Us A Message - admin@webdelics.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎉 Check Out Other Awesome Content from our Webdelics: https://youtu.be/dZoVb8lcp8k https://youtu.be/MFzkU6jd-wM https://youtu.be/odsB6qIy32o ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Follow Us On Socials: https://www.webdelics.com/ https://www.facebook.com/webdelics/ https://twitter.com/webdelics https://www.youtube.com/ @webdelics https://www.linkedin.com/company/webdelics/ https://www.instagram.com/webdelics/